Adding sand

jimnrose · 12/18/2009, 08:01 AM

I'm at it again with the questions. I just purchased very fine white sand (Nature's Ocean 0.1-0.5mm) & knowI need to wash it first but can I use trap water and drain off the water or do Ineed to use salt water? I'm hoping I can use tap water and drain off most of the water. RO/DI water is another optionbut that wastes a lot of water. Thanks, Jimi

Lightsluvr · 12/18/2009, 08:05 AM

Yes you may rinse it in tap water... a final rinse in RO/DI won't hurt, but isn't absolutely mandatory. For sure, let it drain very well before adding to your tank. Put your rock in first.

LL

jimnrose · 12/18/2009, 08:21 AM

George, thanks & will do. Jim

Equalizer · 12/18/2009, 08:33 AM

I'm not a fan of rinsing off sand. All the diffrent sized grains of sand is a good thing. Put a large trash bag over all the sand in the tank and fill. You will have very little clouding of the water.

lordofthereef · 12/18/2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Equalizer

I'm not a fan of rinsing off sand. All the diffrent sized grains of sand is a good thing. Put a large trash bag over all the sand in the tank and fill. You will have very little clouding of the water.

Some sand truly does need a rinsing. I have seen tanks that didn't go with rinsed sand and the water was just perpetually cloudy with moderate-little flow.

As for the original question, I would rinse with RO from the getgo, but no real needs for saltwater.

Equalizer · 12/18/2009, 11:34 AM

Proper filtration will get rid of any small particles left in the water colum. I just feel that sand is best when not rinsed. But I also belive there is more than one way to skin a cat.

thile123 · 12/18/2009, 12:24 PM

i remember there is a solution/chemical that makes your water clear up faster.

12/18/2009, 08:01 AM	#1
jimnrose Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Villages, Florida Posts: 1,093	Adding sand I'm at it again with the questions. I just purchased very fine white sand (Nature's Ocean 0.1-0.5mm) & knowI need to wash it first but can I use trap water and drain off the water or do Ineed to use salt water? I'm hoping I can use tap water and drain off most of the water. RO/DI water is another optionbut that wastes a lot of water. Thanks, Jimi

12/18/2009, 08:05 AM	#2
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,855	Yes you may rinse it in tap water... a final rinse in RO/DI won't hurt, but isn't absolutely mandatory. For sure, let it drain very well before adding to your tank. Put your rock in first. LL __________________ Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. (Takes a few minutes for photos to load) Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G+ total water volume. Three sumps for filtration. Barracuda Gold return and Hammerhead Gold closed loop pumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. MP40W x3 to supplement closed loop. 130G Water management system.

12/18/2009, 08:21 AM	#3
jimnrose Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Villages, Florida Posts: 1,093	George, thanks & will do. Jim

12/18/2009, 08:33 AM	#4
Equalizer Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsboro, IN Posts: 423	I'm not a fan of rinsing off sand. All the diffrent sized grains of sand is a good thing. Put a large trash bag over all the sand in the tank and fill. You will have very little clouding of the water.

12/18/2009, 11:34 AM	#6
Equalizer Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsboro, IN Posts: 423	Proper filtration will get rid of any small particles left in the water colum. I just feel that sand is best when not rinsed. But I also belive there is more than one way to skin a cat.

12/18/2009, 12:24 PM	#7
thile123 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: texas Posts: 65	i remember there is a solution/chemical that makes your water clear up faster.